The Ibagwa-Nike kingdom in Enugu State recently celebrated its annual Ofala festival, themed ‘Culture of National Integration.’ The week-long event, held between December 4 and 10, featured diverse cultural activities, including masquerade parades, women’s dances, and age-grade activities.
The festival culminated on December 9 with the presence of notable dignitaries such as the Attah of Igala kingdom, Prof Matthew Opaluwa, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and the Minister of Science Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji.
During the festival, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, the traditional ruler, conferred chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals recognized for their contributions to promoting world peace. Among them was Mr Robert Dickerman, an American and Managing Director of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, who received the title ‘Chinetugo 1 of Ibagwa-Nike Kingdom.
Igwe Ugwu emphasized the festival’s significance as a culture of national integration, highlighting his commitment to uniting people of diverse cultures and races for chieftaincy titles, aiming to foster unity in Nigeria and global peace.
After receiving the honor, Robert Dickerman commended Igwe Ugwu’s leadership and urged other leaders to emulate his commitment to using culture as a means of promoting unity. Dickerman emphasized the importance of peace and unity for societal development. Reflecting on the chieftaincy honours, he expressed gratitude for the unexpected recognition and praised Igwe Ugwu’s dedication to humanitarianism and bringing people together for world peace.
Additionally, Dickerman called for an end to conflicts in Gaza Strip, Ukraine, and Russia, urging global collaboration for peace.
IMAGE: Vanguard
